Tarot of Cosmic Consciousness is a new exquisitly painted Tarot deck of 78 cards and extensively illustrated book by Barbara Bruch. This deck is an exploration of the symbolic relationships of Tarot to Astrology, the Qabbalah and Sacred Geometry. It is meant to inspire the seeker to create one's self-directed spiritual path.

Monday, April 23, 2012

Each day with the sunrise, we are bathed in the sun’s radiant life-giving energy as its light vitalizes our planet. Green plants flourish in the warmth and energy of sunlight and grow to meet the new day. We soak up the sun’s rays outdoors on beaches and in our gardens, and power our complex multimedia devices with solar energy. The sun makes life as we know it possible on earth. When sunlight passes through a prism it is broken up into seven colors, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet. Our eyes perceive color, shapes, and form because of the light.

Naturally, there is a Tarot card representing “the Sun.” Traditional decks show children playing in joy and delight under a huge golden sun with extended rays. We interpret the card as meaning success, achievement, joy, and the fulfillment of love and happiness. It represents basking in the light of optimism and hope. Receiving this card is the impetus to wake up and seek the Light and enlightenment of spiritual bliss.

In the ancient Egyptian mystery stories, the Sun-god creator, Amun-Ra, was worshipped at the temples of Heliopolis and Karnack. In a daily transformation, Amun-Ra caused the sun to be born every morning and to travel in a sacred barque across the sky, only to be swallowed by the sky-goddess Nut in the darkness of night, and after passing through the dark Underworld, was reborn again in the morning. The Sun card of Tarot commemorates the observance of that daily rebirth for all the children of earth.

“At dawn he was a new-born child, by midday he was a hero in the prime of life, and at sunset he became an old man tottering with feeble steps into the western horizon.” (Alan W. Shorter, The Egyptian Gods, Newcastle Publishing, 1937, p.5)

On a different note, this brings up the subject of solar cycle predictions and other disaster scenarios discussed today in the media. According to NASA scientists, we are approaching the maximum in the Sunspot Cycle in the spring of 2013, having experienced several large solar flares already. The worst that could happen might be power outages, and satellites afflicted by heightened geomagnetic activity. But before that date, supposedly, the doomsday soothsayers predict the sun will be in alignment with the earth and the galactic center of our galaxy December 21, 2012, which will bring about some destructive force as we enter the Dark Rift of the Milky Way. Oh hum – more of “repent for the end is near.” How many “near ends” have we had over the centuries? (Pun intended) But after all that chatter, we’re still here aren’t we? Astronomers at NASA, and elsewhere, say this prediction is nonsense. E.C.Krupp, director of Griffith Observatory, says, “Others on the web…have declared that the Sun is now plummeting to the Milky Way’s center and dragging earth with it. The predicted result? Earth’s polar axis will shift. Most of what’s claimed for 2012 relies on wishful thinking, wild pseudoscientific folly, ignorance of astronomy, and a level of paranoia worthy of the Night of the Living Dead.” (E.C. Krupp, “The Great Doomsday Scare,” Sky and Telescope Magazine) Yes, changes are coming, but notice that they come again and again with each new day.

In Tarot of Cosmic Consciousness, the illustration of The Sun is a great energetic ball of yellow and orange depicting its warmth, fire, and light. This means it is forever a steady lasting influence as it casts its light on orbiting planets seen against the darkness of space at the bottom of the picture. How should we interpret The Sun card in a reading? We can sing with joy and bask in the Light of spiritual illumination. Every day brings a new beginning. Recharge yourself, and as the Sun continues to shine, let your light shine.

Contributors

Thumbs up! praise for TOCC

“WOW! Tarot of Cosmic Consciousness represents an intellectual and intuitive journey to the heart of Tarot. Barbara Bruch’s thorough research has led to a blending of insights from philosophical and mystical traditions that is profound and ultimately satisfying for anyone who wants to know how all the systems fit together. She has incorporated the element of “choice” and embraced the Tarot as a set of questions instead of a set of answers. And the cards! The art is simply awe-inspiring.”Gail Fairfield, author of Choice Centered Tarot

“It is a marvelous book – the thoughts within changed my life in incredible ways.”Marilyn Dickey, Educator

Tarot Art Deck -Tarot of Cosmic Consciousness

Tarot of Cosmic Consciousness

0 The Fool

Death, TOCC

Death, TOCC

A Reminder:

Tarot of Cosmic Consciousness cards and book are under copyright 2008. All rights reserved. No portion of the cards may be reproduced in any form, or by electonic, mechanical, or other means, without the written permission of the artist.